Justice Obiora Egwuatu recused himself from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case after Senate President Godswill Akpabio questioned his impartiality. The judge had previously halted disciplinary actions against the senator. With the case now awaiting reassignment, legal and political tensions over judicial oversight in legislative matters continue to rise.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has recused himself from the case involving suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after Senate President Godswill Akpabio questioned his impartiality. The judge, who had previously issued an interim order halting disciplinary actions against the senator, announced his decision during a court hearing, stating that the case would be reassigned by the Chief Judge.
The controversy stems from the Senate Ethics Committee’s six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct. Despite Justice Egwuatu's prior ruling to pause the disciplinary proceedings, the committee proceeded with its decision, prompting legal challenges. Akpabio’s legal team argued that the court had no authority to intervene in Senate matters, leading to the petition against the judge.
With the case now awaiting reassignment, legal analysts suggest that the outcome could set a precedent for judicial oversight in legislative disciplinary actions. Meanwhile, public reactions remain divided, with some questioning political interference in the judiciary, while others argue that legislative autonomy must be preserved.
